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Honda may be warming up to the idea of a return to Formula One

October 9, 2012

Honda last raced in Formula One in 2008. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Autocar in the U.K. reported on Wednesday that Yoshiharu Yamamoto, Honda's head of research and development, said that the manufacturer is evaluating Formula One's new 1.6-liter turbocharged-engine rules that will be introduced in 2014, with eyes on a possible return to the series.

“On a personal level, I love racing, but there is a lot involved when you are in F1—it is the very top of auto racing and that requires a large commitment,” Yamamoto told Autocar. “But it is true that we do look up at those races and hope that one day we can take part again [after withdrawing from F1 at the end of 2008].

“I do not personally think we can just go straight back immediately, but there is potential for the rules to change and attract us. I follow the rules, certainly, and if they present an opportunity, then it would be nice to go back.”

Honda will enter Civic Type R cars powered by 1.6-liter turbocharged engines in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for the final three races of 2012, beginning with the Oct. 21 race at Suzuka in Japan. Honda plans to run the full WTCC schedule in 2013.

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito said that the company will follow the WTCC results closely.

“This is my personal view—not that of Honda—but I feel the first thing we must do is win in the WTCC, and then perhaps we can look further afield,” Ito told Autocar.